How to Play President
President, also called Scum, Daifugo or Capitalism, is the climbing game where the last player left holding cards is the loser, and everybody knows it.
The deal
Four players, thirteen cards each. Ranks run 3 (lowest) to A, then 2 (highest); suits don't matter. Whoever holds the 3 of clubs leads, with a play that includes it.
Play
- A play is one, two, three or four cards of the same rank.
- The next player must play the same number of cards of a higher rank, or pass. Passing doesn't drop you from the pile; you can play again if it comes back round.
- When every other player with cards has passed, the pile is cleared and the last player to play leads anything.
- A player who plays their last card is out; the turn skips them from then on.
Finishing
The first player out is President, then Vice-President, then Citizen; the last player holding cards is Scum. Points for the hand: 3, 2, 1 and 0.
Playing on kawu
- Three computer players; one hand per game, scored by finishing place.
- Click cards to pick a set, then Play, or Pass. A hint picks a set for you.
- No undo: a play is a play.
Next, read the President strategy guide. For the Chinese cousin with poker hands, try Big Two.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2 the highest card?
Yes. Ranks run 3, 4 … K, A, 2, so a pair of 2s beats any other pair. Nothing beats a set of 2s except passing.
Can I play more cards than the pile?
No. You must play exactly the same number of cards as the current play, of a higher rank. To play a different size, wait until the pile is cleared and you have the lead.
What happens to the titles between hands?
In the table game the President and Scum swap their best and worst cards before the next hand. kawu plays one hand at a time and scores it 3, 2, 1, 0, so every hand starts equal.
Last updated 2026-10-20